Closed system water testing for building services
Building services water hygiene testing
Ensure the longevity and efficiency of your closed heating and cooling systems with comprehensive water testing. Laboratories of Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing provide UKAS No. 9658 and 1369 accredited analysis compliant with BSRIA BG50/2021, BG29/2012, BS8552/2013 and VDI 2035, helping maintain water quality and system performance.
What is closed system water testing
Closed systems, including heating and cooling circuits, are susceptible to scale, corrosion and microbial growth. Regular water testing is essential to commission, monitor and control these factors, ensuring efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
BSRIA compliant testing services
We offer a full suite of testing services aligned to BSRIA BG50, BG29 and BS8552 include chemical and microbiological analysis.
Microbiological parameters
- Total viable count (TVC) at 30°C; overall microbial load
- Pseudomonas species; detects bacteria causing biofouling
- Nitrite reducing bacteria (NRB); indicator of microbiologically influenced corrosion
- Sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB); monitored over 5 or 21 days to assess anaerobic corrosion risk
Chemical parameters
- pH, conductivity, alkalinity; fundamental chemistry indicators
- Inhibitor levels (nitrite, molybdate, amines, tannin); confirm protection against corrosion
- Corrosion and scale indicators; iron, copper, calcium, magnesium
- Chloride, sulphate, nitrate; monitor aggressive ions causing corrosion
- Visual appearance and odour; qualitative indicators
Why water testing matters
- Hardness (ppm); to assess scaling risk
- Conductivity; dissolved salts that promote corrosion
- pH level; typically 8.2–10, adjusted if aluminium is present
- Total dissolved oxygen; ideally very low to minimise corrosion
- Suspended solids or particulates; indicating sludge or biofouling
Recommended testing frequency
- Initial testing; one to three months post commissioning
- Ongoing monitoring; quarterly, with increased frequency during the first six months if required
VDI 2035 and BS 7593
VDI 2035 (developed by the Association of German Engineers) specifies water quality guidance to minimise scale and corrosion in closed hot water systems (flow temperature ≤100 °C). It emphasises minimising chemical use by focusing on pure water and system sealing, using inhibitors only if necessary.
BS 7593:2019 provides UK guidance for system preparation, commissioning, inhibitor dosing, maintenance, cleaning and ongoing water treatment for domestic heating systems.
Why choose Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing
- BSRIA BG50 and BG29 compliance; protocols align with the latest guidance
- UKAS accredited laboratories; reliable and accurate results
- Consistently fast turnaround times with robust instrumentation
- National laboratory network; extensive drop off locations and refrigerated couriers
Get in touch
Would you like to find out more about our water hygiene testing and compliance services? Contact Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK today by submitting an enquiry form or calling +44 (0) 845 604 6740.